How Many People Experience Depression Worldwide? Facts And Statistics
Depression is a serious and common mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. Although the condition can affect anyone, certain regions and groups of people have higher rates of depression than others. Studying these demographic changes may help us better understand this mental health disorder and how it can be prevented and treated.
This article will cover depression statistics by age, sex, and geographic location, while also providing a bigger picture of the impacts of depressive disorders.
An overview of depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by low mood, fatigue, lack of motivation, and disruptions to an individual’s ability to function. Depression encompasses several depressive disorders, including major depressive disorder (major depression), seasonal affective disorder, and persistent depressive disorder. While there is no unified theory of the cause of depression, it is thought to occur due to a combination of genetics and other biological factors, along with environmental and psychological influences.
People may experience short periods of a depressive disorder following the death of a loved one or the breakup of a relationship, and in many cases, it can often pass with time. However, depression can also be chronic and may need to be managed with a treatment plan, which often consists of therapy and medication.
A depressive state that persists for most of the day and lasts at least two weeks is known as major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Major depressive disorder can affect an individual’s ability to function in their daily routine. If symptoms last longer than two years, an individual may be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, or dysthymia.
Additionally, some forms of depression may be circumstantial. For instance, post-partum depression can occur following a pregnancy (or the arrival of a new child for a partner or adoptive parents), and seasonal affective disorder can happen during a specific season, usually dark and cold seasons.
Depression also affects people differently. Not everyone has the same set of symptoms. While there are core indicators of depression, the condition can take different forms and present itself in various ways.
Depression in different sexes
Depression can show up in any biological sex or gender; however, the percentage of people with depression tends to be higher in women than in men. According to information from 2010, globally, the prevalence for women was approximately 5.5%, compared to 3.2% for men. These values mean that women may be 1.7 times more likely to have depression than men.
The above values are the result of fact gathering for global depression rates, but some regions may have different ratios between sexes or a higher/lower prevalence overall. For example, depression rates in the United States tend to be significantly higher, and in 2020, women had a past-year prevalence of 10.5%, compared to 6.2% for men. Out of the entire U.S. population of people 18 and older, approximately 21 million people (8.4% of adults) had experienced a depressive episode in the previous year.
Part of the reason for the disparity may have to do with biological differences between individuals of different sexes. One of the main causes for depression is thought to be hormonal change, which can fluctuate during puberty and, in women, during pregnancy and menopause. Starting in puberty, adolescent women tend to have a higher incidence of fluctuating emotions, including depression. Significant hormonal differences may be primary factors, along with the pressures of school and increases in social stress.
Beyond adolescence, women can also experience specific types of depression related to hormonal changes, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, post-partum depression, and post-menopausal depression.
Teens and depression
Age can also have an impact on depression rates, with differences often beginning during adolescence, typically around 12 years of age. Adolescents go through specific hormonal changes, and they may be at risk of experiencing symptoms of depression.
According to a report on major depression published in 2020, researchers estimated that 4.1 million individuals aged 12 to 17 in the U.S. had experienced a major depressive episode in the previous year, accounting for 17% of the adolescent population. This included 9.2% of adolescent males, while it represented 25.2% of adolescent females.
Depression is also a significant concern for college students, with research suggesting that approximately one out of every three college students lives with depression or an anxiety disorder. Statistics on college students also show that depression and anxiety are among the top barriers to academic performance, which can lead to further stress and mental health challenges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression in the U.S. is most common in people aged 18-29, with an overall prevalence of 21% in 2019. Those in the 45-64 and 65-and-over age ranges both had a 2019 prevalence of 18.4%, followed by people 30-44, who had a rate of 16.8%. In some groups, depression may be under-reported. For example, given the stigma that has surrounded mental health care in decades past, reporting symptoms or seeking treatment may have been less common for people 65 and older.
There are a number of factors that can affect the presence and severity of depression at different ages. For example, environmental factors can vary widely between different age groups. Someone in their 30s may experience depression related to work stress, while someone in their teens might feel loneliness or social alienation that produces symptoms of depression.
There are also biological factors that can increase the likelihood of depression at different ages. Someone in their later years may be more likely to experience depression because of physical health complications, while someone in adolescence could be prone to more hormonal changes.
Global depression statistics
According to a report from 2023, approximately 280 million people live with depression. This equates to roughly 3.8% of the world's population. Depression rates have continued to increase, making depression one of the leading causes of disability around the world.
Research demonstrates that the severity of depression is a global concern.
According to a 2018 study of depression rates by regions, which gathered information from 30 countries, researchers concluded that depression is a substantial mental health challenge. South America has the highest overall prevalence (20.6%), followed by (Asia 16.7%), North America (13.4%), Europe (11.9%), and Africa (11.5%). One of the problems may be a lack of resources like mental health services. Also, some regions may experience a stigma surrounding mental health that likely skews depression statistics.
Several other factors may impact the incidence of depression in different regions around the world. Regions that experience a greater amount of turbulence, such as war and political upheaval, may have populations that experience greater rates of depression. Also, natural disasters, pollution, disease, and fewer educational resources can affect the prevalence of depressive disorders.
Poverty and depression are also thought to be linked. Studies show that lower income levels are correlated with higher depression prevalence. However, research also suggests that there is a certain point—typically once an individual meets their basic needs—at which earning more does not reduce the likelihood of depression.
How online therapy can help with depression
A growing body of research points to online therapy as an effective and available form of care for depressive disorders. In a wide-ranging meta-analysis that included 14 studies, researchers concluded that online cognitive behavioral therapy “leads to immediate and sustained reduction in depressive symptoms.” The analysis also mentions the ability of online therapy to reach people with mental health challenges in areas that may not have many providers. Also, online therapy may be helpful for comorbid conditions, such as substance use disorders.
Online therapy, which can be utilized through platforms like BetterHelp, tends to be a convenient and affordable form of mental health care. Because it is remote, online therapy is often more convenient for people who may not have mental health professionals nearby but who want to address a depressive disorder or other life challenges. With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist through online chat, phone, or video chat at a time that works for you.
Takeaway
What percent of people have depression?
According to the World Health Organization, around 3.8% of people, or 240 million individuals worldwide experience depression. This figure may vary widely depending on location and may not be completely accurate due to underreporting.
How many people have depression in the world right now?
According to the World Health Organization, around 240 million individuals worldwide experience depression. However, when thinking about how many people in the world have depression it may be important to understand that the figure may be low as many areas of the world do not have reliable mental health care providers or statistics.
What is the number 1 mental illness?
It's challenging to designate a single mental illness as the "number 1" mental illness because mental health conditions are diverse, affecting individuals in various ways. Additionally, the prevalence and impact of mental disorders can vary across populations and regions. Different mental health disorders can be more prevalent or have more significant impacts depending on factors such as age, gender, cultural context, and socioeconomic conditions.
That said, some mental health conditions are more commonly discussed due to their widespread prevalence and impact. One such condition is anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Anxiety disorders often manifest as excessive worry, fear, or nervousness and can significantly interfere with daily functioning.
What is the most depressed age?
Depression can affect individuals at any age, and its prevalence varies across different life stages. It's essential to recognize that factors contributing to depression are multifaceted and can include biological, psychological, social, and environmental elements. Depression does not discriminate based on age, and its impact can be significant at any life stage.
That said, certain life transitions and stages may be associated with higher vulnerability to severe depression. Here are a few points to consider:
Adolescence and Young Adulthood: Adolescence and the transition to young adulthood are periods of significant change, both hormonally and socially. Challenges such as identity formation, academic pressures, and relationship issues can contribute to the onset of depression in adolescents and young adults.
Middle Age: Middle age, typically ranging from the late 30s to the 50s, may be associated with unique stressors such as career challenges, financial pressures, and concerns related to family and aging parents. This life stage can also involve a reassessment of life goals and achievements.
Older Adults: Older adults, especially those facing retirement, health issues, or the loss of loved ones, may be at an increased risk of depressive episodes. Social isolation and changes in physical health can also contribute to depressive symptoms in this age group.
What population is the most depressed?
Depression can affect individuals across various demographics and populations, and its prevalence can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Mental health disparities exist, and certain populations may face a higher risk of depression due to specific challenges they encounter. It's important to approach this information with sensitivity, recognizing that mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of well-being.
Here are some populations that may experience higher rates of depression or face unique challenges:
Gender Disparities: Women have been reported to have higher rates of depression than men. Hormonal fluctuations, life transitions, and societal expectations are among the factors that may contribute to this gender disparity and increase in depressed mood.
Adolescents and Young Adults: Adolescents and young adults may be particularly vulnerable to depression due to factors such as academic pressures, peer relationships, identity development, and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood.
Older Adults: Older adults may face increased risk due to factors such as physical health issues, chronic illnesses, social isolation, and the loss of loved ones. Depression in older adults can sometimes be underdiagnosed or overlooked.
LGBTQ+ Population: Members of the LGBTQ+ community may face additional stressors related to stigma, discrimination, and challenges related to identity and acceptance. These factors can contribute to higher rates of depression among this population.
Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions: People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic pain, may be at an increased risk of depression due to the impact of these conditions on daily life and overall well-being.
Veterans: Military veterans may experience depression, often related to the challenges of military service, combat exposure, and the transition to civilian life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health concern among veterans.
Low Socioeconomic Status: Individuals facing economic hardship or living in impoverished conditions may be at a higher risk of depression. Limited availability of resources such as talk therapy, education, and health care or health insurance can contribute to the prevalence of mental health conditions.
What is the rarest mental illness?
Determining the "rarest" mental illness can be challenging because mental health conditions are diverse, and the prevalence of specific disorders can vary based on geographic location, diagnostic criteria, and changes in how mental illnesses are recognized and classified. Additionally, some rare mental disorders might not be well-documented or widely studied.
Who has the best mental health?
Determining which population or country has the "best" mental health can be complex and subjective. Mental health is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural, social, economic, and medical elements. Additionally, the measurement of mental health involves subjective assessments, and different sources may use various indicators to evaluate mental well-being. It may be important to note that individuals in low or middle-income countries may have less resources and may experience a higher financial burden when treating depression. This may reduce the number of individuals attempting to find effective treatments which may negatively impact mental health.
Who gets more depressed?
Depression can affect individuals across various demographics, and it's not accurate or helpful to make generalizations about specific groups getting "more depressed" than others. Mental health is a complex and individual experience influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Depression does not discriminate based on factors like age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
However, certain patterns or trends may be observed in terms of demographics that may be more vulnerable to depression or may face unique risk factors. It's crucial to approach this information with sensitivity and avoid stigmatizing or making assumptions about any particular group. Here are some considerations:
Gender: Studies often suggest that women may be diagnosed with depression more frequently than men. However, this does not mean that men do not experience depression. Gender differences may be influenced by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, social expectations, and help-seeking behaviors.
Age: Certain life stages, such as adolescence, young adulthood, and old age, may be associated with unique stressors and challenges, potentially influencing the prevalence of depression in these age groups.
Socioeconomic Factors: Individuals facing economic hardship or living in impoverished conditions may be at a higher risk of depression. Limited availability of resources, education, and adequate care can contribute to the prevalence of mental health conditions. According to a systematic review study depression treatment may be too costly for many individuals, making it harder to seek professional treatment.
LGBTQ+ Community: Members of the LGBTQ+ community may face additional stressors related to stigma, discrimination, and challenges related to identity and acceptance, potentially impacting mental health.
Chronic Health Conditions: People dealing with chronic health conditions, chronic pain, or disabilities may be more susceptible to depression due to the impact of these conditions on daily life and overall well-being.
Who is most at risk for depression?
Depression can affect individuals from all walks of life, and it's essential to recognize that anyone can experience depression. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing depression. It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that an individual will experience depression, and people without apparent risk factors can still develop depression or depressive symptoms. The interplay of various factors contributes to an individual's vulnerability to depression. Some common risk factors include:
Family History: A family history of depression or other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, may increase an individual's susceptibility. Genetic factors can play a role in the predisposition to depression.
Personal History: Individuals with a history of previous episodes of depression or other mental health conditions may be at an increased risk of experiencing depression again.
Biological Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, changes in brain structure or function, and other biological factors can contribute to the development of depression.
Chronic Illness: Individuals dealing with chronic health conditions, chronic pain, or other long-term health issues may be more susceptible to depression.
Trauma and Stressful Events: Exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or significant life stressors like the death of a loved one, divorce, or financial difficulties, can increase the risk of depression.
Personality Factors: Certain personality traits, such as a tendency toward negativity, low self-esteem, or perfectionism, may contribute to the development of depression.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances, can impact mood and increase the risk of depression.
Substance use: Substance use disorders (formerly referred to as substance abuse), including alcohol and drug use, are often linked with an increased risk of depression.
Social Isolation: Lack of social support, feelings of loneliness, or social isolation can contribute to the vulnerability to depression.
Gender: While depression can affect individuals of any gender, some studies suggest that women may be diagnosed with depression more frequently than men. However, this does not mean that men do not experience depression.
Being Postpartum: Individuals who have recently given birth experience depression at higher rates than those who have not.
For more information on depression, see the following resource by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/depression.
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